Humanistic Burden of Cognitive Impairment Among Patients with Schizophrenia Using the United States Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Data
Background: Cognitive impairment is an underacknowledged aspect of schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia struggle with memory, attention, and executive functioning causing considerable functional disability.
Aims: Assess the impact of cognitive impairment on humanistic outcomes in schizophrenia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from adults (≥18 years) with schizophrenia in the US 1997–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Cognitive limitations (CL) and cognitive difficulties (CD) were used for capturing cognitive impairment. Short form-12 physical component scores (SF-12 PCS), mental component scores (SF-12 MCS) and SF-6D were analyzed.
Results: Of 1,827 participants (average age 45.6 years), CL and CD were reported in 57.6% and 53.5%, respectively. Those with CL had significantly lower SF-12 PCS (0.64 vs. 0.71, p < 0.01), SF-12 MCS (0.75 vs 0.96, p < 0.01), and SF-6D (0.61 vs. 0.74, p < 0.01) scores than those without. Individuals with CL more commonly reported poor perceived physical and mental health (15.8% vs 5.7%, p < 0.01; 29.5% vs 10.0%, p < 0.01), limitations in daily living activity (16.4% vs 3.1%, p < 0.01) and instrumental activities of daily living (53.8% vs 19.2%, p < 0.01), and limitations in social/recreational activities (62.0% vs 18.7%, p < 0.01) and work/house/school activities (89.0% vs 49.9%, p < 0.01) than those without. Individuals with CD reported lower SF-12 and SF-6D health utility scores, perceived health, and greater limitations in activities than those without.
Conclusions: This study highlights the profound impact of cognitive impairment on individuals with schizophrenia. These findings necessitate healthcare strategies tailored to humanistic outcomes of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and reinforce their importance in schizophrenia treatment.
Funding: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
